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Cath
116 Posts |
 Posted - 07/26/2012 : 05:15:32
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I have been battling with chronic pain for 4 years now (mostly myofascial pain in the head and face, but it does radiate down into the shoulders and back). My Doc said he thought I probably had Fibromyalgia too - won't go into too many details, try not to think about the many other symptoms. The same time my pain began, I started to get episodes of skin cancer. The first was a melanoma on my right cheek. A few months later I had a BCC (Basal Cell Carcinoma), on my right temple. I have a great plastic surgeon, and the removal of these two skin cancers was successful, and look fine.
About a year ago I discovered Dr Sarno's books, and have seen a TMS practitioner here in the UK (Georgie Oldfield). I am what may be described as a problem healer as far as the TMS principle goes. My pain has never gone. It sometimes diminishes a little, giving me hope, as I totally believe that my pain began because of stressful events in my life. A month ago I discovered another BCC again on my right temple, right next to the skin graft I already have there. It was removed two weeks ago, again by a fantastic plastic surgeon, who made a great job. This week I went to my Doctor because I noticed another mark on my forehead. He's almost sure this is another BCC, and it will have to be removed.
This is all getting a little scary now. Surgery makes the myofascial pain in my face worse. I know the chronic pain I have has a psychological cause rather than a physical one, but does the skin cancer too? And how the heck am I going to stop this? I know panicking is making everything worse, and is not helping at all, but it's getting increasingly difficult to stop myself from doing this.
How am I ever going to get back to a more positive way of thinking when all I'm getting is bad news? |
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art
1903 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2012 : 08:28:02
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Hey Cath,
Sorry to hear about what you're going through.
I'm probably among the more cautious forum members. That you're completely convinced you've got TMS with respect to your pain, makes me wonder if it really is. Normally, it goes away or at least substantially lessens...
Also, the fact that your skin cancer began occurring along with your myofascial pain makes me wonder if the two aren't connected...and not necessarily in a psychosomatic way. Is it common to get all these skin cancers? Might there be something else underlying that? Do you see an oncologist, or just the plastic surgeon?
No doubt you'll get plenty of responses from people who will argue for TMS and stress to explain all.
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Edited by - art on 07/26/2012 08:29:11 |
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Cath
116 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2012 : 04:59:51
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Hi Art
Thank you for your kind words. As far as I was aware the two were completely unconnected. My pain began just before the skin cancer. I sought medical answers for the pain for over a year, which included MRIs, blood tests etc before being told by a neurologist it was myofascial pain, and all he could do for me was supply drugs or steroid injections.
The first episode of skin cancer was a melanoma which can be life threatening if not treated immediately. It began a few months after the pain. They have to cut away a 5 mm margin all around the affected area, and the surgery did affect the jaw pain to the extent that I could only open my mouth to one finger width wide. The BCCs are the most benign form of skin cancer, and are cut out with a 4 mm margin. They are not supposed to be life threatening, as they don't travel through the body like the melanomas.
I see a specialist dermatologist and the plastic surgeon. So far I haven't been referred to an oncologist.
I love being outdoors. I was a runner for many years,but now just walk my dog for a good 2 hours a day, with the protection of sunblock, hat and sunglasses. Walking helps with the pain, but if I get any more of these damned BCCs, I will be increasingly afraid to go out.
I was just wondering if the stress of my pain could be contributing to the episodes of skin cancer, or whether they are totally unrelated, and I'm just unlucky.
Of course I also worry that my face will begin to look like a patchwork quilt. Even at 53, my looks are still quite important to me. |
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balto
839 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2012 : 06:44:43
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Doctors and researchers spend years and years studying cancers and still don't know exactly what caused cancer and how to cure it. I am sure not bright enough to know. My thought is emotion play a role in promoting and also curing cancer. Negative emotion would probably make it worse and positive emotion would probably make it better.
Studies often point out that with a positive attitude cancer patients usually live longer and handle their pain much better than those with a pessimiss outlook.
Science also can't explain what caused those spontaneous cancer remission cases. some of those that were "cure" of cancer spontaneously claimed it is due to: miracle, praying, intense meditation, yoga, mind power... We just don't know yet.
I guess no matter what ilness you have, a positive attitude can only help.
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No, I don't know everything. I'm just here to share my experience. |
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art
1903 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2012 : 11:17:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Cath
Hi Art
Thank you for your kind words. As far as I was aware the two were completely unconnected. My pain began just before the skin cancer. I sought medical answers for the pain for over a year, which included MRIs, blood tests etc before being told by a neurologist it was myofascial pain, and all he could do for me was supply drugs or steroid injections.
The first episode of skin cancer was a melanoma which can be life threatening if not treated immediately. It began a few months after the pain. They have to cut away a 5 mm margin all around the affected area, and the surgery did affect the jaw pain to the extent that I could only open my mouth to one finger width wide. The BCCs are the most benign form of skin cancer, and are cut out with a 4 mm margin. They are not supposed to be life threatening, as they don't travel through the body like the melanomas.
I see a specialist dermatologist and the plastic surgeon. So far I haven't been referred to an oncologist.
I love being outdoors. I was a runner for many years,but now just walk my dog for a good 2 hours a day, with the protection of sunblock, hat and sunglasses. Walking helps with the pain, but if I get any more of these damned BCCs, I will be increasingly afraid to go out.
I was just wondering if the stress of my pain could be contributing to the episodes of skin cancer, or whether they are totally unrelated, and I'm just unlucky.
Of course I also worry that my face will begin to look like a patchwork quilt. Even at 53, my looks are still quite important to me.
Cath,
I can totally identify with you on many ways. Older than you at 61, but still concerned with looking half way decent. Also a runner, not quite willing to call myself an "ex" yet though that time is coming. I've got a tear in my quadriceps tendon at the moment, so walking instead for the time being. You know, it's not so bad! I can see walking hard for a couple hours and feeling like I had a work out...Also long time golfer, so I've had plenty of sun in my life. Wouldn't be surprised to be joining you in the BCC's soon enough...
Many believe, including dr. Sarno, that stress can definitely be a factor in cancer, so I'm sure not going to argue no relationship. Like you, I'd be concerned probably near to panic to get it so many times. I'm wondering if there are underlying conditions that can lead to many skin cancers. I found one, but it's a genetic disorder that sounds pretty obvious to diagnose and doesn't sound like you. I might check in with an oncologist just to rule things out...
As I said, there are plenty of folks here who will have no problem tying you cancers to TMS/Stress.
I'm wishing you the best, Cath. No doubt it will just turn out to be a case of too much sun combined with a disposition to get these things. , I'm sure you look great either way :-)
Edit: Just to add Human Papilloma Virus can also leave one susceptible to skin cancers, but I think it's the squamous type... |
Edited by - art on 07/27/2012 11:27:07 |
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Cath
116 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 05:28:45
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Balto
I'm sure you're right with everything you say. I am trying so hard to be optimistic, and I know that purpose and the love of life plays a big role in combatting many illnesses. And I agree with you that even the most knowledgeable of scientists just don't know yet what causes cancers.
Art
I can sympathise with your problem at the monent of a torn quadricep. Sounds painful! But also Injuries are so frustrating when all you want to do is put on your running shoes ans get out there. When you're fit walking just doesn't quite work like a good, long run. I still keep getting the urge to build up some fitness again myself, but the bounce involved in running makes the pain in my jaw escalate, and I just can't quite get over the fear of it yet. Maybe one day .....
I don't know of anyone in my family with the same problem of skin cancers, so don't think this is genetic. But I am a strawberry blonde with very fair skin and lots of freckles. The plastic surgeon says I have paper thin skin, so I probably haven't done myself any favours by loving the outdoors. The pain problem is classic Sarno - it began after some very stressful events in my life and was compounded by the death of a dearly loved Mum from pancreatic cancer, which is not a genetic cancer. So you can see how the word cancer could add to my problem. I just wish I could turn it all off. I will keep trying, because I do love life. The tune that keeps playing in my head right now is - que sera sera, what ever will be, will be. If you're religious, you could say that it's in God's hands (I'm kind of "sitting on the fence" right now about the existence of a God, but I wish I had some of the strength of those who believe).
Cath |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 08:02:52
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| Cath look at my most recent previous posts and follow them to the tee and I know your pain will go away if you give it enough time. Yes your cancer is another more severe form of your TMS. I'm a cancer doctor. Good luck |
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balto
839 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 09:20:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Ace1
Cath look at my most recent previous posts and follow them to the tee and I know your pain will go away if you give it enough time. Yes your cancer is another more severe form of your TMS. I'm a cancer doctor. Good luck
Hi Ace1, do you happen to personally know of anyone who have defeated cancer using mindbody approach?
My lovely 6 years old niece passed away last year due to some kind of incurable brain tumor. Do you think tms can possibly be the cause of cancer in infants and little children?
Thanks in advance.
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No, I don't know everything. I'm just here to share my experience. |
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Cath
116 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 10:05:48
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Hi Ace1
Thank you - had a look at some of your posts.
When my Mum was first diagnosed with cancer, one of the things she said was "I was expecting it". Her father died of stomach cancer, along with her brother and nephew. All her life she struggled with chronic acid reflux and stomach-related maladies to the point that in her late 60s she was diagnosed with Diverticulitis and Barrett's Disease. Because of my discovery of Dr Sarno's work, I can now see that she also had severe TMS. I know she worried constantly about her "digestion problems".
My TMS manifested itself when I was 10 years old as classic migraine. I have suffered from time to time with migraine ever since, until eventually just after I went through a very anxious period when my only son decided to experiment with drugs, and shortly after I watched my Mum deteriorate so quickly with pancreatic cancer, my headaches became chronic. The pain became a monster, fueled by my anxiety, and then the skin cancer began.
Life has since changed, my son learned many valuable lessons, and has become a responsible adult, of whom I am very proud. I still miss my Mum, but my Dad and I have become very close, and he has even found another lady friend as a companion, who is also a friend to me. I have a wonderful and very understanding husband, and we have a great future to look forward to.
I don't know why I can't seem to reassure my sub-conscious mind that everything is ok now. I can't seem to shake off a lingering feeling of dread. I know I probably have some existential issues - I'm at the right age. I enjoyed reading some of "lynni's" posts along with yours too - they were very inspirational.
Maybe my next step should be psychotherapy. |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 11:49:15
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| No your next step is reprogramming of your mind through mind power. Get the book I mentioned before and use affirmations and visualizations to reprogram calmness and a relaxed unconscious mind. Remember it is not anything you have to figure out, you just have to stop straining to the things you encounter in your daily life. You will not be able to do this without the techniques in the book. |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 11:55:45
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| Dear balto, yes it applies to children too. So it seems that some children are born with a hyped up temperament and off the bat their minds are revved up with nothing to do with life experiences. I wonder if the mood of the mother during the pregnancy may somehow influence this or this may just be a genetic phenomena. Regardlless. This mental and physical strain is usually worsened by parenthood and by labeling the child. There is a book called mind power for children by John kehoe. It is excellent and must be used to help calm the mind of the child as best can be done. I have a son who had excema soon after he was born. His strain was evident. I have been using mind power techniques and he is about 95% better, so it works. |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 11:59:24
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| Yes well I have seen it take care of cancer but the person is only a few years out from when he had cancer. He was abused as a child and never told anyone Once he did he felt a sense of relief(decreased strain) and has been in remission since then. The problem is most people will not accept this or work on it long enough to get results or the fear of the cancer is too much for them to overcome. So they not only have to take care of the strain before the cancer diagnosis but now also the fear of the cancer diagnosis itself |
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Cath
116 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 12:16:29
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Ok - just placed my order on Amazon. I know it's a case of changing a lot of my thinking, just struggling on the how.
Many thanks
Cath |
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Ace1
USA
1040 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 15:56:26
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| I'm glad. Just use the affirmations I wrote about before, use them like a broken record when ever you have symptoms , bad feeling or bad thoughts. Do it EVERY time and do them before sleep and when you wake up. Try to do everything with ease. Be good to yourself. Don't think that you are taking it to easy and therefore you afraid of your symptoms. Your taking it easy to calm your mind only. Don't challenge symptoms. If you want to bend and your in pain, go ahead and do it calmly, easily gently at first. Not with intensity. With time you will be able to do it more normally. I had a women in constant pain say bible verses all day and within 1 month she was pain free. Same concept as the affirmations. At first you won't see results but of you stick with it, it'll work |
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art
1903 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 21:07:50
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Hey Ace,
I'm a deeply skeptical guy in general. I'm especially suspicious of simplistic cure-alls, like repeating the the same phrases over and over. I'm also reluctant to reduce complex illnesses like cancer to nothing more than a manifestation of stress. Surely, some people...many people....perhaps half the people or more...get cancer for reasons other than stress. I have perhaps the hardest time of all believing that children...little 3, 4,5 year old children are getting cancer because they're so stressed out.
All that said, I find myself becoming more impressed with the power of mind with each passing year. Perhaps each passing month these days. I have been using some of your ideas and with some success. At idle moments, and when feeling symptoms...I'm telling myself that I'm strong, calm, and courageous. My lips even move when out in public :-)
One of these days I'm going to get hauled away in a straight jacket... |
Edited by - art on 07/28/2012 21:09:01 |
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Cath
116 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2012 : 07:00:13
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Ace1
Thank you for your advice - I will certainly give it a go. I've nothing to lose.
Art
Know what you mean about the scepticism - think I'm a culprit of that some of the time too, which is why the TMS concept has been particularly hard for me. I come from a family of hard-nosed scientists, who don't believe anything unless it can be proven. My Dad was a research chemist and my brother is a micro-biologist, who has worked in cancer research for part of his career. I haven't spoken to my brother about the skin cancer. When I first started with my pain, it was just daily migraine-type headaches, and he happened to mention that there had been some research into the fact that chronic headaches can sometimes be connected to the jaw. I then started to pursue this avenue of thought, and hey presto, suddenly I had TMJ. I am so suggestible, it's unbelievable! When my neurologist told me that I had myofascial pain, I started to research this, and came across fibromyalgia as sometimes being present with myofascial pain. Guess what - the next thing I have is fibromyalgia, and I have pain in most of my body. I have since stopped researching anything myself.
The worrying thing is, that maybe the same thing is true about the skin cancer, which is why I desperately need to change my thought patterns.
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pspa123
672 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2012 : 07:55:26
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| Ace 1-- what book are you referring to? Thank you. |
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balto
839 Posts |
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balto
839 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2012 : 08:16:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Ace1
Dear balto, yes it applies to children too. So it seems that some children are born with a hyped up temperament and off the bat their minds are revved up with nothing to do with life experiences. I wonder if the mood of the mother during the pregnancy may somehow influence this or this may just be a genetic phenomena. Regardlless. This mental and physical strain is usually worsened by parenthood and by labeling the child. There is a book called mind power for children by John kehoe. It is excellent and must be used to help calm the mind of the child as best can be done. I have a son who had excema soon after he was born. His strain was evident. I have been using mind power techniques and he is about 95% better, so it works.
Thank you Ace1.
I had suspected that is the case with my niece. Her short life were full of traumas and turmoil.
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No, I don't know everything. I'm just here to share my experience. |
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pspa123
672 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2012 : 08:32:41
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Balto thanks, I will look into that book. Cath, the concept is coming extremely hard for me too, I "get it" at one level but at other levels I still continue to gravitate in my thinking towards physical/physiological explanations for my neck pain (posture, neurotransmitter junk, trigger points, what have you) and I can't quite let go of it yet.
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Cath
116 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2012 : 08:52:52
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Pspa123
I know exactly what you mean - on a conscious level, I understand the concept totally, then I find myself altering my position when sat to sit up straighter, altering my posture because I was told that this was my problem. So it's obviously not filtered down into the unconscious yet.
I have so many conditioned responses to the pain, it's difficult to know where to start. |
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Skin cancer - TMS?
